Remember Jello? Whether you ate it as a kid at your grandma’s house or you still serve it to your own kids now, Jello has a way of bringing us all back to warm days spent outdoors and special occasions around the table. Jello dessert recipes have been around for ages but in recent years they have become an all-new “it” factor for entertaining. With their nostalgic charm and delicious versatility, Jello desserts are making a big comeback! A go-to side dish – perfect for busy moms looking to quickly add some festive flair to weeknight dinners or hosts needing something impressive or unexpected at an upcoming gathering.
It’s summertime, and what could be better than a sweet, colorful dessert to make any meal special? Whether you’re whipping up something with berries or whip cream, layering it with fruit slices between ribbons of jiggly goodness – these refreshingly cool treats can take your already great meal to the next level!
Berries and summer just go together and blueberries are always a crowd favorite. Let’s begin with a classic jello dessert. At our house we call it Aunt Laura’s Blueberry Dessert because she first introduced it to our family and it instantly became a staple for potlucks and family reunions.
Blueberry Dessert
Ingredients:
2 small packages or one large package of Grape Jello (Raspberry Jello can be substituted in a pinch)
1-20 oz. can of crushed pineapple (including the juice)
1-20 oz can Blueberry Pie Filling (not canned berries)
8 oz softened cream cheese
2 C sour cream
½ C sugar to sweeten
Directions:
Dissolve the Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in the crushed pineapple and juice and the blueberry pie filling and mix well. Let chill in the refrigerator until firm.
Topping:
Beat together the cream cheese and ½ C sugar until smooth. Fold in the sour cream until well combined. Spread gently on top of the set gelatin. Fresh blueberries can be added on top for a special garnish, if desired.
Most of us have indulged in an orange dreamsicle or two during our childhood summers. The creamy, sweet and tart blend of flavors made it the perfect treat after a long day of playing. Now, you can enjoy all those same flavor combinations without having to rush off to the nearest ice cream stand! Our recipe for this unique salad will transport you right back to your fun-filled days as a kid – with a grown up twist. This creamy, cheerful, and oh-so-tasty Orange Dreamsicle Salad shared by Kid Friendly Things to Do will make the perfect addition to any busy mom’s dinner table or even as a light lunch for when you’re hosting friends. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become one of your favorite meals!
Are you planning a potluck or reunion and looking for something delicious to serve that will take your event up a notch? Everyone loves food, so make sure all of your guests leave happy by serving this delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Salad! It’s so exceptional it could even be served as a dessert. This flavorful dish is easy to make yet feels fancy and special – it’s the perfect accompaniment to any gathering. Plus, its creamy texture blends the sweet taste of raspberries with cream cheese for an indulgent treat. Everyone at your gathering will be delighted when they try this smooth and tasty Raspberry Cream Cheese Salad from Six Sisters Stuff.
Are you one of the many curious people who have wondered: “what in the world does a Watergate Salad have to do with the infamous Watergate scandal”? Well, here’s what you need to know – nothing. Despite popular belief, there is no connection between Watergate Salad and the events of 1972 that launched one of history’s greatest political scandals. But, regardless of where the name originated, this is a recipe so quick and easy you’ll want to keep ingredients readily on hand so you can whip it up in a jiffy anytime. The creamy pistachio flavor is a real crowd pleaser.
Watergate Salad
Ingredients:
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple
1-3 ½ oz. box instant pistachio pudding mix
1 9 oz. container non-dairy whipped topping
1 C miniature marshmallows
½ C chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions:
Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the syrup or juice. Put pudding mix in a large bowl. Add about 4 tablespoons of pineapple juice or enough to make a soft paste. Mixture will turn bright green. Add the drained pineapple, whipped topping, marshmallows and chopped nuts. Mix well until mixture is fluffy and has increased in volume. Top with additional nuts if desired. Refrigerate as salad or dessert.
Are you looking for a delicious and creative dish that’s sure to be the talk of any event? We’ve got just the thing – a colorful Rainbow Layered Salad from FREUTCAKE that will not only look amazing but taste even better. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood summer barbecue or planning a 4th of July luncheon, this showstopper of a dish is sure to wow your friends and family. Just using different colors of gelatin and sweetened condensed milk you can put together this fun recipe for a more interesting take on traditional salads. It can be cut up and served like jigglers or made in a parfait glass for that special punch factor. So are you ready to try something new in the kitchen? It does take a little extra time—like 5 hours, but the result is worth it. Thanks to Freut Cake for sharing these directions.
Tips for making Jello Salads and Desserts:
Change it up: Spice up your jello salad by molding it into different shapes or making it in a fancy parfait dish.
Easy to swap: If you see a recipe you think you would like but want a different fruit or flavor, you can easily trade out the fruit to your favorite one. Use fresh fruits when possible, but not fresh pineapple.
Assembling Tip: Closely follow the instructions for best results. It’s best to chill the jello for 1-2 hours until it is like a thick jelly, and then fold in the fruit evenly and let it chill for another 2-3 hours.
Variety: From layered jello salad, cherry jello salad, green jello salad, pistachio jello salad or Jello fruit salad there is something for everyone and every occasion.
Use the Proper Equipment: Use a large enough mixing bowl. A large bowl ensures you won’t slosh the mixture all around.
Summer is never complete until you’ve enjoyed one of the many delicious and fun uses for Jello. And with its versatility and portability, it can be an essential part of almost any meal or snack. Whether it’s a classic Jello mold or a colorful cup made from layered flavors, or a pudding based fluff incorporating Jello into your summer menu will definitely add to the experience. On top of that, it’s relatively inexpensive and always a hit with kids. So if you’re looking to make creative and memorable meals for your family this summer, don’t forget about Jello! Grab some of these cool jello dessert recipes or create something original – either way, you can feel good knowing that even after centuries of being around, Jello continues to live on as an important culinary staple of the season. The possibilities for Jello as a part of your menu are endless!